Avascular Necrosis

What is avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis is a disease that results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It is also called osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis. When blood supply is cut off, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses. If avascular necrosis occurs near a joint, collapse of the joint surface may occur.

Avascular necrosis may occur in any bone, but most commonly occurs in the ends of a long bone. It may affect one bone, several bones at one time, or different bones at different times.

What causes avascular necrosis?

Nontraumatic causes (including long-term use of medications, such as corticosteroids, or excessive, long-term use of alcohol)

Other theories and associations have been suggested as risk factors.

What is a risk factor?

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors.

Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop a disease, while others develop the disease and have no known risk factors.

But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.

What are the risk factors for avascular necrosis?

Suggested risk factors for avascular necrosis include the following:

Injury

Steroid use

Gaucher disease

Alcohol use

Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia

Radiation treatments

Chemotherapy

Pancreatitis

Decompression disease

What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis?

The following are the most common symptoms for avascular necrosis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Minimal early joint pain

Increased joint pain as bone and joint begin to collapse

Limited range of motion due to pain

The symptoms of avascular necrosis may resemble other medical conditions or bone problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for avascular necrosis may include the following:

Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient's bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.

Biopsy. A procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present; to remove tissue from the affected bone.

Functional evaluation of bone. Tests, that usually involve surgery, to measure the pressure inside the bone.

Treatment for avascular necrosis

Specific treatment for avascular necrosis will be determined by your doctor based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history

Extent of the disease

Location and amount of bone affected

Underlying cause of the disease

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the disease

Your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment for avascular necrosis is to improve functionality or to stop further damage to the affected bone or joint. Treatments are necessary to keep joints from breaking down, and may include:

Medications. These are used to control pain.

Assistive devices. These are used to reduce weight on the bone or joint.

Core decompression. A surgical procedure in which the inner layer of bone is removed to reduce pressure, allow for increased blood flow, and slow or stop bone and/or joint destruction.

Osteotomy. A surgical procedure to reshape the bone and reduce stress on the affected area.

Bone graft. A surgical procedure in which healthy bone is transplanted from another part of the patient's body into the affected area.

Arthroplasty (total joint replacement). A surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis); may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability.

Other treatments for avascular necrosis may include electrical stimulation and combination therapies to encourage the growth of new bone.